I have a true confession to make: of the 24 hours in a day I only ever sleep 3-4 hours if I'm lucky. That is not because I have a sleep disorder, but because any spare time I have at night is taken up by pro bono legal/judicial strategy work advocating for seriously abused children that the courts have or are about to let down. Though this has very little to do with my blog today, it was the reason why in the early hours of July 3rd, I went to bed but I was still wide awake.......

We went to bed.....we all ......my neighbours. Of all of us that went to bed......one did not make it to the next day!

We all went to bed.....but not all of us awoke the next day! Yesterday was my birthday.....and I can't help thinking about the departed and the frailty of our humanity! It is important for us to love people we see whilst there's still that chance to warm someone's day with a smile.

We went to bed...... but not all awoke from sleep!

Liv.

I have a true confession to make: of the 24 hours in a day I only ever sleep 3-4 hours if I'm lucky. That is not because I have a sleep disorder, but because any spare time I have at night is taken up by pro bono legal/judicial strategy work advocating for seriously abused children that the courts have or are about to let down. Though this has very little to do with my blog today, it was the reason why in the early hours of July 3rd, I went to bed but I was still wide awake.......

We went to bed.....we all ......my neighbours. Of all of us that went to bed......one did not make it to the next day!

We all went to bed.....but not all of us awoke the next day! Yesterday was my birthday.....and I can't help thinking about the departed and the frailty of our humanity! It is important for us to love people we see whilst there's still that chance to warm someone's day with a smile.

It amazes me how few people will help at times!! Many years back, I was at a bar and several of us were outside. It was late and very dark outside when we all saw a car hit a man on a bicycle. Several of us ran over there. His leg was still attached, but it was up by his head... (Really gross site!) He was mangled very badly!

This lady I knew from around town, (small town), said, "I'm a nurse. I can help him." She looks at this guy and says, "Give me your jacket, I'll make him a pillow!" I looked at her and said, "You'll do no such thing! Nobody is to touch this guy's neck but to stabilize it! You could paralyze him!" I got on the ground and stabilized his neck unitl EMT came and just softly told him, "Help is on the way honey. You will be okay." (Of course I had no clue of this and do not know of the outcome.)

But, often times the best we can do is provide comfort for those in need.... whether it be climbing into a car drowning in fuel.... or in the gravel on the side of the road....

Awesome gift you gave a dying person, and perhaps it's best you were there, because it sounds like too much for the family to handle....

Quoting Hoping4Love2000:

KINDGREENEYES---

It amazes me how few people will help at times!! Many years back, I was at a bar and several of us were outside. It was late and very dark outside when we all saw a car hit a man on a bicycle. Several of us ran over there. His leg was still attached, but it was up by his head... (Really gross site!) He was mangled very badly!

This lady I knew from around town, (small town), said, "I'm a nurse. I can help him." She looks at this guy and says, "Give me your jacket, I'll make him a pillow!" I looked at her and said, "You'll do no such thing! Nobody is to touch this guy's neck but to stabilize it! You could paralyze him!" I got on the ground and stabilized his neck unitl EMT came and just softly told him, "Help is on the way honey. You will be okay." (Of course I had no clue of this and do not know of the outcome.)

But, often times the best we can do is provide comfort for those in need.... whether it be climbing into a car drowning in fuel.... or in the gravel on the side of the road....

Awesome gift you gave a dying person, and perhaps it's best you were there, because it sounds like too much for the family to handle....

My best friend's elderly mother past in her sleep and I was at her bedside saying a prayer with my friend when a car accident happened in front of her home. Being trained, I left to go to the site. A woman had a head on with a car twice the size of her compact car. The engine wouldn't turn off and the car sat in a pool of gasoline. People already there did nothing to help her, despite her bleeding to death. I sat in the seat beside her, stopped her bleeding and cradled her until the professionals arrived. We talked, she asked what happened, I gently told her she was struck and to be at peace, that everyone who loved her would be around her soon. Suddenly she became very still and ...heavy.

I named her Roberta, being no one would tell me her name. Not one family member wanted to talk with me, even though she was held and loved on while she pasted. If this woman had been my sister it would have been comforting knowing how she died. That was the part of the experience that caused me pain, that she died and no one wanted to know how she past and know she was cared for.

Roberta is why I had a surf lesson on my 45 th Birthday, joined a poetry competition, play it big at work and virtually began taking risks. I had to choose how I honored her; in my own way I remember when I'm afraid and venturing out of my comfort zone.

I wish you peace Live.

Greeneyes,

I think you are an exceptionally kind woman! I know exactly how you feel about Roberta. With the type of family and people she had in her life, I guess you were specially sent to give her comfort in her last moments!

Thank you for the gift of comfort to a dying soul and thank you for your kind words to me.

Liv.

Quoting greenkindeyes:

Liv,

My best friend's elderly mother past in her sleep and I was at her bedside saying a prayer with my friend when a car accident happened in front of her home. Being trained, I left to go to the site. A woman had a head on with a car twice the size of her compact car. The engine wouldn't turn off and the car sat in a pool of gasoline. People already there did nothing to help her, despite her bleeding to death. I sat in the seat beside her, stopped her bleeding and cradled her until the professionals arrived. We talked, she asked what happened, I gently told her she was struck and to be at peace, that everyone who loved her would be around her soon. Suddenly she became very still and ...heavy.

I named her Roberta, being no one would tell me her name. Not one family member wanted to talk with me, even though she was held and loved on while she pasted. If this woman had been my sister it would have been comforting knowing how she died. That was the part of the experience that caused me pain, that she died and no one wanted to know how she past and know she was cared for.

Roberta is why I had a surf lesson on my 45 th Birthday, joined a poetry competition, play it big at work and virtually began taking risks. I had to choose how I honored her; in my own way I remember when I'm afraid and venturing out of my comfort zone.

I wish you peace Live.

​

​

Greeneyes,

I think you are an exceptionally kind woman! I know exactly how you feel about Roberta. With the type of family and people she had in her life, I guess you were specially sent to give her comfort in her last moments!

Thank you for the gift of comfort to a dying soul and thank you for your kind words to me.

It amazes me how few people will help at times!! Many years back, I was at a bar and several of us were outside. It was late and very dark outside when we all saw a car hit a man on a bicycle. Several of us ran over there. His leg was still attached, but it was up by his head... (Really gross site!) He was mangled very badly!

This lady I knew from around town, (small town), said, "I'm a nurse. I can help him." She looks at this guy and says, "Give me your jacket, I'll make him a pillow!" I looked at her and said, "You'll do no such thing! Nobody is to touch this guy's neck but to stabilize it! You could paralyze him!" I got on the ground and stabilized his neck unitl EMT came and just softly told him, "Help is on the way honey. You will be okay." (Of course I had no clue of this and do not know of the outcome.)

But, often times the best we can do is provide comfort for those in need.... whether it be climbing into a car drowning in fuel.... or in the gravel on the side of the road....

Awesome gift you gave a dying person, and perhaps it's best you were there, because it sounds like too much for the family to handle....

Quoting greenkindeyes:

Liv,

My best friend's elderly mother past in her sleep and I was at her bedside saying a prayer with my friend when a car accident happened in front of her home. Being trained, I left to go to the site. A woman had a head on with a car twice the size of her compact car. The engine wouldn't turn off and the car sat in a pool of gasoline. People already there did nothing to help her, despite her bleeding to death. I sat in the seat beside her, stopped her bleeding and cradled her until the professionals arrived. We talked, she asked what happened, I gently told her she was struck and to be at peace, that everyone who loved her would be around her soon. Suddenly she became very still and ...heavy.

I named her Roberta, being no one would tell me her name. Not one family member wanted to talk with me, even though she was held and loved on while she pasted. If this woman had been my sister it would have been comforting knowing how she died. That was the part of the experience that caused me pain, that she died and no one wanted to know how she past and know she was cared for.

Roberta is why I had a surf lesson on my 45 th Birthday, joined a poetry competition, play it big at work and virtually began taking risks. I had to choose how I honored her; in my own way I remember when I'm afraid and venturing out of my comfort zone.

I wish you peace Live.

Quoting greenkindeyes:

Liv,

My best friend's elderly mother past in her sleep and I was at her bedside saying a prayer with my friend when a car accident happened in front of her home. Being trained, I left to go to the site. A woman had a head on with a car twice the size of her compact car. The engine wouldn't turn off and the car sat in a pool of gasoline. People already there did nothing to help her, despite her bleeding to death. I sat in the seat beside her, stopped her bleeding and cradled her until the professionals arrived. We talked, she asked what happened, I gently told her she was struck and to be at peace, that everyone who loved her would be around her soon. Suddenly she became very still and ...heavy.

I named her Roberta, being no one would tell me her name. Not one family member wanted to talk with me, even though she was held and loved on while she pasted. If this woman had been my sister it would have been comforting knowing how she died. That was the part of the experience that caused me pain, that she died and no one wanted to know how she past and know she was cared for.

Roberta is why I had a surf lesson on my 45 th Birthday, joined a poetry competition, play it big at work and virtually began taking risks. I had to choose how I honored her; in my own way I remember when I'm afraid and venturing out of my comfort zone.

I wish you peace Live.

​

​

KINDGREENEYES---

It amazes me how few people will help at times!! Many years back, I was at a bar and several of us were outside. It was late and very dark outside when we all saw a car hit a man on a bicycle. Several of us ran over there. His leg was still attached, but it was up by his head... (Really gross site!) He was mangled very badly!

This lady I knew from around town, (small town), said, "I'm a nurse. I can help him." She looks at this guy and says, "Give me your jacket, I'll make him a pillow!" I looked at her and said, "You'll do no such thing! Nobody is to touch this guy's neck but to stabilize it! You could paralyze him!" I got on the ground and stabilized his neck unitl EMT came and just softly told him, "Help is on the way honey. You will be okay." (Of course I had no clue of this and do not know of the outcome.)

But, often times the best we can do is provide comfort for those in need.... whether it be climbing into a car drowning in fuel.... or in the gravel on the side of the road....

Awesome gift you gave a dying person, and perhaps it's best you were there, because it sounds like too much for the family to handle....

I have a true confession to make: of the 24 hours in a day I only ever sleep 3-4 hours if I'm lucky. That is not because I have a sleep disorder, but because any spare time I have at night is taken up by pro bono legal/judicial strategy work advocating for seriously abused children that the courts have or are about to let down. Though this has very little to do with my blog today, it was the reason why in the early hours of July 3rd, I went to bed but I was still wide awake.......

We went to bed.....we all ......my neighbours. Of all of us that went to bed......one did not make it to the next day!

We all went to bed.....but not all of us awoke the next day! Yesterday was my birthday.....and I can't help thinking about the departed and the frailty of our humanity! It is important for us to love people we see whilst there's still that chance to warm someone's day with a smile.

We went to bed...... but not all awoke from sleep!

Liv.

Liv,

My best friend's elderly mother past in her sleep and I was at her bedside saying a prayer with my friend when a car accident happened in front of her home. Being trained, I left to go to the site. A woman had a head on with a car twice the size of her compact car. The engine wouldn't turn off and the car sat in a pool of gasoline. People already there did nothing to help her, despite her bleeding to death. I sat in the seat beside her, stopped her bleeding and cradled her until the professionals arrived. We talked, she asked what happened, I gently told her she was struck and to be at peace, that everyone who loved her would be around her soon. Suddenly she became very still and ...heavy.

I named her Roberta, being no one would tell me her name. Not one family member wanted to talk with me, even though she was held and loved on while she pasted. If this woman had been my sister it would have been comforting knowing how she died. That was the part of the experience that caused me pain, that she died and no one wanted to know how she past and know she was cared for.

Roberta is why I had a surf lesson on my 45 th Birthday, joined a poetry competition, play it big at work and virtually began taking risks. I had to choose how I honored her; in my own way I remember when I'm afraid and venturing out of my comfort zone.

I wish you peace Live.

Quoting Livnlov:

I have a true confession to make: of the 24 hours in a day I only ever sleep 3-4 hours if I'm lucky. That is not because I have a sleep disorder, but because any spare time I have at night is taken up by pro bono legal/judicial strategy work advocating for seriously abused children that the courts have or are about to let down. Though this has very little to do with my blog today, it was the reason why in the early hours of July 3rd, I went to bed but I was still wide awake.......

We went to bed.....we all ......my neighbours. Of all of us that went to bed......one did not make it to the next day!

We all went to bed.....but not all of us awoke the next day! Yesterday was my birthday.....and I can't help thinking about the departed and the frailty of our humanity! It is important for us to love people we see whilst there's still that chance to warm someone's day with a smile.

We went to bed...... but not all awoke from sleep!

Liv.

Liv,

My best friend's elderly mother past in her sleep and I was at her bedside saying a prayer with my friend when a car accident happened in front of her home. Being trained, I left to go to the site. A woman had a head on with a car twice the size of her compact car. The engine wouldn't turn off and the car sat in a pool of gasoline. People already there did nothing to help her, despite her bleeding to death. I sat in the seat beside her, stopped her bleeding and cradled her until the professionals arrived. We talked, she asked what happened, I gently told her she was struck and to be at peace, that everyone who loved her would be around her soon. Suddenly she became very still and ...heavy.

I named her Roberta, being no one would tell me her name. Not one family member wanted to talk with me, even though she was held and loved on while she pasted. If this woman had been my sister it would have been comforting knowing how she died. That was the part of the experience that caused me pain, that she died and no one wanted to know how she past and know she was cared for.

Roberta is why I had a surf lesson on my 45 th Birthday, joined a poetry competition, play it big at work and virtually began taking risks. I had to choose how I honored her; in my own way I remember when I'm afraid and venturing out of my comfort zone.

Thanks a lot Jenk. And do send my biggest hug to those two little boys when you do get together with them....

Thanks,

Liv.

Quoting Jenkneee:

I'm sorry for your neighbor, Liv, also for the family that David/ Dakota knew. Reading this blog, I decided to find out what I was dreading. My sweet neighbor/friend Rose passed on, she had been suffering with a few health issues including cancer. The one good thing is that she is no longer suffering. Rose was a wife and a mother of 4 with the youngest two boys only about 6 & 7 years old. After some time has passed, I hope to do some fun activities with the boys and let them know one more person cares.

My favorite saying:

Yesterday is History

Tomorrow is a Mystery

Today is a Gift

That's why it's called The Present.

The End.

We all have to enjoy the good moments, you never know what will come later!

Happy Belated Birthday Liv :)

Make it a great excuse to celebrate as many times as possible!!

Quoting Jenkneee:

I'm sorry for your neighbor, Liv, also for the family that David/ Dakota knew. Reading this blog, I decided to find out what I was dreading. My sweet neighbor/friend Rose passed on, she had been suffering with a few health issues including cancer. The one good thing is that she is no longer suffering. Rose was a wife and a mother of 4 with the youngest two boys only about 6 & 7 years old. After some time has passed, I hope to do some fun activities with the boys and let them know one more person cares.

My favorite saying:

Yesterday is History

Tomorrow is a Mystery

Today is a Gift

That's why it's called The Present.

The End.

We all have to enjoy the good moments, you never know what will come later!

Happy Belated Birthday Liv :)

Make it a great excuse to celebrate as many times as possible!!

Thanks a lot Jenk. And do send my biggest hug to those two little boys when you do get together with them....

I'm sorry for your neighbor, Liv, also for the family that David/ Dakota knew. Reading this blog, I decided to find out what I was dreading. My sweet neighbor/friend Rose passed on, she had been suffering with a few health issues including cancer. The one good thing is that she is no longer suffering. Rose was a wife and a mother of 4 with the youngest two boys only about 6 & 7 years old. After some time has passed, I hope to do some fun activities with the boys and let them know one more person cares.

My favorite saying:

Yesterday is History

Tomorrow is a Mystery

Today is a Gift

That's why it's called The Present.

The End.

We all have to enjoy the good moments, you never know what will come later!

Happy Belated Birthday Liv :)

Make it a great excuse to celebrate as many times as possible!!

I'm sorry for your neighbor, Liv, also for the family that David/ Dakota knew. Reading this blog, I decided to find out what I was dreading. My sweet neighbor/friend Rose passed on, she had been suffering with a few health issues including cancer. The one good thing is that she is no longer suffering. Rose was a wife and a mother of 4 with the youngest two boys only about 6 & 7 years old. After some time has passed, I hope to do some fun activities with the boys and let them know one more person cares.

My favorite saying:

Yesterday is History

Tomorrow is a Mystery

Today is a Gift

That's why it's called The Present.

The End.

We all have to enjoy the good moments, you never know what will come later!

Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy. -Anonymous-

I know it's a sad time for you but I do hope you were able to enjoy your birthday.

Loosing someone, whether close at heart or in proximity is always tough. For those of us who believe or want to, my answer to having lost is this;

I believe that God brings us into this world with a purpose and a pre-determined amount of time. We have no say in when our time is done. We can only control the how and where. Your neighbor has fulfilled his/her mission in this world. Take comfort in knowing that he/she was able to touch your life and the lives of your neighbors and somehow made a difference. Even if just to remind you how fleeting life can be

-Lucy-

What a lovely concept LUCY!!

I do not feel our time is "pre-determined" by God, as for "Believers" He grants us free will to make decisions which can help or hurt our demise; but it is a lovely thought of filling a quest, or mission...

Some seem to feel believing in a Higher Source shows weakness. I feel it displays strength, just as seeking guidance from a therpaist when you can't find answers yourself derives character.

"The ablity to know one doesn't hold all the answers and turning to a superior source only empowers us!"

That's how I see God and therapy! LOL...

I just responded on a lady's blog about making a difference and come to see this...

Yes, life is all about making a difference somewhere and obviously this lady made a difference in Liv and many other's lives...

I just hope it was due to a careless act like smoking and not faulty wiring which could effect many others. I'm just thankful LIV and her children were on the opposite end!!

*************************

LIVVIE! I have new internet access! We shouldn't have anymore dropped calls! Let me know when we can Skype!

Quoting RealtorLulu:

Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy. -Anonymous-

I know it's a sad time for you but I do hope you were able to enjoy your birthday.

Loosing someone, whether close at heart or in proximity is always tough. For those of us who believe or want to, my answer to having lost is this;

I believe that God brings us into this world with a purpose and a pre-determined amount of time. We have no say in when our time is done. We can only control the how and where. Your neighbor has fulfilled his/her mission in this world. Take comfort in knowing that he/she was able to touch your life and the lives of your neighbors and somehow made a difference. Even if just to remind you how fleeting life can be

-Lucy-

What a lovely concept LUCY!!

I do not feel our time is "pre-determined" by God, as for "Believers" He grants us free will to make decisions which can help or hurt our demise; but it is a lovely thought of filling a quest, or mission...

Some seem to feel believing in a Higher Source shows weakness. I feel it displays strength, just as seeking guidance from a therpaist when you can't find answers yourself derives character.

"The ablity to know one doesn't hold all the answers and turning to a superior source only empowers us!"

That's how I see God and therapy! LOL...

I just responded on a lady's blog about making a difference and come to see this...

Yes, life is all about making a difference somewhere and obviously this lady made a difference in Liv and many other's lives...

I just hope it was due to a careless act like smoking and not faulty wiring which could effect many others. I'm just thankful LIV and her children were on the opposite end!!

*************************

LIVVIE! I have new internet access! We shouldn't have anymore dropped calls! Let me know when we can Skype!

Awww jeez Liv. I'm so sorry! That is a tragic thing to happen and so close to you. Not only for the sorrow, but I'm am sure it also poses a certain amount of fear and anxiety in regards to your family's safety. My best wishes for you. As you know we are all so very fond of you and are your friends. Please let us help if we can. Hugs gf!

Thanks a lot Diana....that's very kind of you. Yep, it made me worry about my kids' and my safety. A lot of thoughts have filled my mind since then, mainly because of some things I have seen in life and some things I have passed through in the recent past and in my present....

This is a building that houses Porsche, Ferrari, Bentley totting expats, diplomats, top executives, politicians, judges, wealthy retirees etc [I am the poor church rat in their midst] with 24 hour concierge and a full security station and patrol units, a place you can only access by invitation only or with the possession of a resident's swipe card. You'll think you are safe.....but how safe is safe? And what exactly are we safe from?

Life is so fleeting....

Thanks for your offer of help. Means a lot!

Liv.

Quoting Diana3316:

Awww jeez Liv. I'm so sorry! That is a tragic thing to happen and so close to you. Not only for the sorrow, but I'm am sure it also poses a certain amount of fear and anxiety in regards to your family's safety. My best wishes for you. As you know we are all so very fond of you and are your friends. Please let us help if we can. Hugs gf!

Thanks a lot Diana....that's very kind of you. Yep, it made me worry about my kids' and my safety. A lot of thoughts have filled my mind since then, mainly because of some things I have seen in life and some things I have passed through in the recent past and in my present....

This is a building that houses Porsche, Ferrari, Bentley totting expats, diplomats, top executives, politicians, judges, wealthy retirees etc [I am the poor church rat in their midst] with 24 hour concierge and a full security station and patrol units, a place you can only access by invitation only or with the possession of a resident's swipe card. You'll think you are safe.....but how safe is safe? And what exactly are we safe from?

True, Lucy, true. And thanks a lot for your thoughts. I have just been numbed, and having very strange inexplicable feelings. Escapism, then wanting to protect the children from knowing this....which was impossible with all the blaring sirens and alarms, and Public Address system blaring though the various floors and hallways..... and other such chasms have filled me ever since! And having to be all smiles on my birthday and all....it was a bit much! But I guess I am getting there and your comments and support here have helped a great deal between yesterday when I finally summoned the courage to confront my feelings and blog about it and today.....I feel better by every passing minute. And thanks to all of you on here for your kind words....I am very grateful!

Liv.

Quoting RealtorLulu:

Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy. -Anonymous-

I know it's a sad time for you but I do hope you were able to enjoy your birthday.

Loosing someone, whether close at heart or in proximity is always tough. For those of us who believe or want to, my answer to having lost is this;

I believe that God brings us into this world with a purpose and a pre-determined amount of time. We have no say in when our time is done. We can only control the how and where. Your neighbor has fulfilled his/her mission in this world. Take comfort in knowing that he/she was able to touch your life and the lives of your neighbors and somehow made a difference. Even if just to remind you how fleeting life can be

-Lucy-

Quoting RealtorLulu:

Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy. -Anonymous-

I know it's a sad time for you but I do hope you were able to enjoy your birthday.

Loosing someone, whether close at heart or in proximity is always tough. For those of us who believe or want to, my answer to having lost is this;

I believe that God brings us into this world with a purpose and a pre-determined amount of time. We have no say in when our time is done. We can only control the how and where. Your neighbor has fulfilled his/her mission in this world. Take comfort in knowing that he/she was able to touch your life and the lives of your neighbors and somehow made a difference. Even if just to remind you how fleeting life can be

-Lucy-

True, Lucy, true. And thanks a lot for your thoughts. I have just been numbed, and having very strange inexplicable feelings. Escapism, then wanting to protect the children from knowing this....which was impossible with all the blaring sirens and alarms, and Public Address system blaring though the various floors and hallways..... and other such chasms have filled me ever since! And having to be all smiles on my birthday and all....it was a bit much! But I guess I am getting there and your comments and support here have helped a great deal between yesterday when I finally summoned the courage to confront my feelings and blog about it and today.....I feel better by every passing minute. And thanks to all of you on here for your kind words....I am very grateful!

DAK - So sorry to have revived your memory of your own losses. My apologies.

Thanks a lot for your thoughts which I completely agree with. But this time, I am decidedly changing a lot of things in my life, but with baby steps! The first push I got was when I got a terrible health scare some weeks ago, and as soon as I kicked that this happened. So I am listening to that inner voice that says to me "live a little, let you hair down a little more....". DAK - you understand. Thanks a lot for all your advice and input.

Liv.

Quoting Dakota35:

Happy Birthday Liv!

The loss of your neighbor is a reminder that tomorrow is not guaranteed and we shouldn't be so pre-occupied with the small things. (Saying that makes me a hypocrite but it also proves I know better). It's interesting how such things make us stop and think, makes us decide that we should make changes in our life, but then slowly we fall back into our old ways. Life is not easy. I experienced a similar loss when a family was renting from me (they were also friends and the father worked for me) and one morning a fire started killing the mother and 2 children.

I've experience the loss of many people that were very close to me. Each time, I say that I'm going to change how I live...really start living life...put infasis on what matters most. Each time I have fallen back into my same routine. Life is not to be understood but to be lived.

God Bless you Liv,

David

Quoting Dakota35:

Happy Birthday Liv!

The loss of your neighbor is a reminder that tomorrow is not guaranteed and we shouldn't be so pre-occupied with the small things. (Saying that makes me a hypocrite but it also proves I know better). It's interesting how such things make us stop and think, makes us decide that we should make changes in our life, but then slowly we fall back into our old ways. Life is not easy. I experienced a similar loss when a family was renting from me (they were also friends and the father worked for me) and one morning a fire started killing the mother and 2 children.

I've experience the loss of many people that were very close to me. Each time, I say that I'm going to change how I live...really start living life...put infasis on what matters most. Each time I have fallen back into my same routine. Life is not to be understood but to be lived.

God Bless you Liv,

David

DAK - So sorry to have revived your memory of your own losses. My apologies.

Thanks a lot for your thoughts which I completely agree with. But this time, I am decidedly changing a lot of things in my life, but with baby steps! The first push I got was when I got a terrible health scare some weeks ago, and as soon as I kicked that this happened. So I am listening to that inner voice that says to me "live a little, let you hair down a little more....". DAK - you understand. Thanks a lot for all your advice and input.

You know, my neighbours are the sweetest anyone could hope for. Extremely polite, helpful and nice...

I remember an occasion some weeks ago when I was so unwell I couldn't walk, one of my neighbours whom I have never met before took it upon himself to take me from the high street base entrance of the building to my apartment. Such is the typical kindness of all of my neighbours. Which is why this just beats us sad...that we couldn't do anything to help prevent this death. With the fire service there on time, it was a lost battle!

The Police and the relevant agencies flooded the place and are still investigating the cause of the fire. The preliminary report appears to be pointing to cigarette, but this is not yet official and to be honest I have not sought to find out more because of how I am feeling about it currently.

This neighbour was in the East Wing, whilst I am in the West Wing. It's a huge high security place right in the centre of the town, yet.... Yes, life is fleeting.

Yeah, Hope. We should catch up on Skype soon!

Liv.

Quoting Hoping4Love2000:

:((((

LIV-- So very sorry this happened so closely to you. (As if enough isn't already covering your plate!)

Did they find what created the fire? Faulty wiring? Smoking in bed? How far away in the building was this neighbour?

Life is certainly "fleeting," and we cheat ourselves most if we fail to show others how much we love them...

I hope this does not effect your already "lack of sleep!"

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY YOUNG LADY!! 30 is it? ;)))))

Hope you are doing well, all things considered!

Give me a shout soon!

XO

~~~ SMILE AT SOMEONE TODAY--- YOU MIGHT WARM THEIR HEART! ~~~

Quoting Hoping4Love2000:

:((((

LIV-- So very sorry this happened so closely to you. (As if enough isn't already covering your plate!)

Did they find what created the fire? Faulty wiring? Smoking in bed? How far away in the building was this neighbour?

Life is certainly "fleeting," and we cheat ourselves most if we fail to show others how much we love them...

You know, my neighbours are the sweetest anyone could hope for. Extremely polite, helpful and nice...

I remember an occasion some weeks ago when I was so unwell I couldn't walk, one of my neighbours whom I have never met before took it upon himself to take me from the high street base entrance of the building to my apartment. Such is the typical kindness of all of my neighbours. Which is why this just beats us sad...that we couldn't do anything to help prevent this death. With the fire service there on time, it was a lost battle!

The Police and the relevant agencies flooded the place and are still investigating the cause of the fire. The preliminary report appears to be pointing to cigarette, but this is not yet official and to be honest I have not sought to find out more because of how I am feeling about it currently.

This neighbour was in the East Wing, whilst I am in the West Wing. It's a huge high security place right in the centre of the town, yet.... Yes, life is fleeting.

Awww jeez Liv. I'm so sorry! That is a tragic thing to happen and so close to you. Not only for the sorrow, but I'm am sure it also poses a certain amount of fear and anxiety in regards to your family's safety. My best wishes for you. As you know we are all so very fond of you and are your friends. Please let us help if we can. Hugs gf!

Awww jeez Liv. I'm so sorry! That is a tragic thing to happen and so close to you. Not only for the sorrow, but I'm am sure it also poses a certain amount of fear and anxiety in regards to your family's safety. My best wishes for you. As you know we are all so very fond of you and are your friends. Please let us help if we can. Hugs gf!

Sarah - Yeah, you are right about getting enough sleep. I am beginning to learn to try and sleep more....but it's hard when your body has been trained to not sleep. Many years ago, I underwent para-military training for a year in readiness to go to the Military Academy and become a Military Officer - part of that training dealt effectively with sleep deprivation and how to function inspite of the deprivation. We all need to sleep, but I guess the training never left me....:-)

The thing is I was wide awake and alert so I lept into action and got my kids out of bed very quickly! The fire was however not in my wing of the very large building. Up to 20 families were affected and evacuated that night.

Liv.

Quoting MissMonteCarlo:

Sorry to hear about your neighbour, what a terrible way to go. It makes you realise how precious life is and how unpredictable life can be.

You are amazing for working so hard. It is great to see how much you care about your job and what you do for others.

I have to say, I need my sleep otherwise I don't function properly and I get pretty grumpy. So it is in everyone's best interest I'm in bed on a school night by 11pm.

Sarah

Quoting MissMonteCarlo:

Sorry to hear about your neighbour, what a terrible way to go. It makes you realise how precious life is and how unpredictable life can be.

You are amazing for working so hard. It is great to see how much you care about your job and what you do for others.

I have to say, I need my sleep otherwise I don't function properly and I get pretty grumpy. So it is in everyone's best interest I'm in bed on a school night by 11pm.

Sarah

Sarah - Yeah, you are right about getting enough sleep. I am beginning to learn to try and sleep more....but it's hard when your body has been trained to not sleep. Many years ago, I underwent para-military training for a year in readiness to go to the Military Academy and become a Military Officer - part of that training dealt effectively with sleep deprivation and how to function inspite of the deprivation. We all need to sleep, but I guess the training never left me....:-)

The thing is I was wide awake and alert so I lept into action and got my kids out of bed very quickly! The fire was however not in my wing of the very large building. Up to 20 families were affected and evacuated that night.

Thanks a lot. It is very hard to take and quite shocking. I think I have oscillated from calm, numb, happy, sad, shocked etc over these few days....

Liv.

Quoting Mtnsunny:

Liv,

First off....Happy Birthday Girl!!

I'm sorry to hear that you lost a neighbor to a fire... my heart goes out to you. I can't imagine the friendship you all had, neighbors can be like family. When my neighbor's husband passed away a few weeks ago from brain cancer...my heart hurt for her. I spent a lot of time with her and coming up with things to do to help her through her grieving.

My very best to Liv, I'm thankful your still here with us. My prayers to all of you.

Mtnsunny

Quoting Mtnsunny:

Liv,

First off....Happy Birthday Girl!!

I'm sorry to hear that you lost a neighbor to a fire... my heart goes out to you. I can't imagine the friendship you all had, neighbors can be like family. When my neighbor's husband passed away a few weeks ago from brain cancer...my heart hurt for her. I spent a lot of time with her and coming up with things to do to help her through her grieving.

My very best to Liv, I'm thankful your still here with us. My prayers to all of you.

Mtnsunny

Mtnsun,

Thanks a lot. It is very hard to take and quite shocking. I think I have oscillated from calm, numb, happy, sad, shocked etc over these few days....

Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy. -Anonymous-

I know it's a sad time for you but I do hope you were able to enjoy your birthday.

Loosing someone, whether close at heart or in proximity is always tough. For those of us who believe or want to, my answer to having lost is this;

I believe that God brings us into this world with a purpose and a pre-determined amount of time. We have no say in when our time is done. We can only control the how and where. Your neighbor has fulfilled his/her mission in this world. Take comfort in knowing that he/she was able to touch your life and the lives of your neighbors and somehow made a difference. Even if just to remind you how fleeting life can be

-Lucy-

Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy. -Anonymous-

I know it's a sad time for you but I do hope you were able to enjoy your birthday.

Loosing someone, whether close at heart or in proximity is always tough. For those of us who believe or want to, my answer to having lost is this;

I believe that God brings us into this world with a purpose and a pre-determined amount of time. We have no say in when our time is done. We can only control the how and where. Your neighbor has fulfilled his/her mission in this world. Take comfort in knowing that he/she was able to touch your life and the lives of your neighbors and somehow made a difference. Even if just to remind you how fleeting life can be